Czech defence ministry approves Gripen lease extension, awaits cabinet review

The Czech Ministry of Defence has approved Sweden’s offer to extend the lease of 12 JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets for CZK 16.7 billion. The proposal, which includes servicing and pilot training, now awaits government approval. Czechia currently leases 14 Gripens at an annual cost of roughly CZK 1.7 billion, with the current agreement set to expire in 2027. The extension would keep the jets in service until 2035, when they are scheduled to be replaced by 24 U.S.-made F-35 aircraft.